Dr. Robert Mann

Biography:
Robert Mann has a B.Sc. in physics from McMaster University and an M.Sc. and Ph.D from the University of Toronto. Currently a Professor of Physics at the University of Waterloo, he has been a visiting researcher at Harvard University, Cambridge University, and the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics. He has received several awards, including most recently a Fulbright Fellowship, an award for Teaching Excellence from the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, and an Outstanding Referee Award from the American Physical Society. A member of several advisory boards for different foundations, research institutes, and grant selection committees, he was chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Waterloo from 2001-2008. He is currently President of the Canadian Association of Physicists. His research interests are in black holes, cosmology, particle physics, quantum foundations, and quantum information.

Abstract:
Charting a Course for Canadian Physics

Canada's approach to science policy has seen a number of substantial changes over the past decade, affecting every scientific discipline. These changes have been the result of an ongoing interplay between top-down government program changes, philanthropic aspirations,
changes in the economic landscape, and grassroots initiatives from Canada's scientists. The situation for physics has been particularly exciting and challenge, with several major new developments that have significantly altered how physics is done in Canada. After taking stock of the current situation, I will describe the efforts being undertaken by the Canadian Association of Physics in charting a future course for Physics in Canada, and what is needed in Canadian science policy to ensure its success.